The extraordinary struggle between the British and German air forces in 1940 was one of the pivotal events of World War II. How close did Britain really come to invasion during this time? What were Hitler's and Churchill's motives? And what was the battle's real effect on the outcome of the war? Richard Overy answers all these questions and many others in this compelling account of the Battle of Britain, destroying many myths about the conflict along the way.

"Marvellously readable … The Battle of Britain is a direct hit."—Niall Ferguson

"A captivating and brilliant analysis of the fragile circumstances of Britain's victory."—The Observer